Nice head coach Franck Haise has emphasised the importance of Terem Moffi’s return as Les Aiglons push for a UEFA Champions League spot, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Nigeria international made his first appearance of the season for Nice during Saturday’s 2-1 derby defeat to Monaco, coming on as an 83rd-minute substitute.
Moffi had been sidelined for over eight months after suffering a cruciate ligament injury during pre-season preparations, with his last competitive match being a 2-2 draw away to Lille on May 19, 2024.
“Terem made a dynamic entry. It’s going to be important for our end of season, we’re going to need to show something other than what we showed tonight,” Haise was quoted by the club’s official website.
“Monaco were superior to us, and first of all there’s the quality of the opponent, but we were so far from the mark that I’m just waiting for us to show our true colours against Nantes on Friday.”
The 25-year-old striker’s return to the Stade Louis II holds special significance, as it was the venue where he scored his first brace for Nice on February 26, 2023, following his move from Lorient.
After completing his rehabilitation, Moffi enjoyed a solid 15-minute cameo in the derby, providing a glimpse of what Nice fans can expect as the club fights for Champions League qualification with seven matches remaining in the season.
Nice currently sit in fourth position in the Ligue 1 table, with Moffi’s return expected to boost their attacking options during the crucial final stretch of the campaign.
Following the match, the striker took to Instagram to express his gratitude, writing; “I can only say thank you Lord Jesus for everything! See you guys next week.”
Since arriving in France, Moffi has proven his goalscoring prowess with 55 goals in 143 appearances across all competitions, including 20 for Nice.
His return to action comes at a critical juncture for the Mediterranean club, who will be hoping the Nigerian can rediscover his scoring touch to help secure European football for next season.
Moffi and his teammates will look to bounce back from their derby disappointment when they host Nantes on Friday, a match that could prove crucial to their UCL aspirations.
